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CNA Training Skills: Assisting Patients With Confusion or Memory Loss

CNA Training

Assisting patients with confusion and memory loss after CNA training is one of the most important skills you need to learn before beginning to work in a long term care facility. You will often work with patients here that have had strokes, are suffering from diseases, have had head traumas, or who are on medication that has affected the overall function of their brain. They may have difficulty with their memory, may not be able to establish clear thoughts, and may be unable to use simple problem solving skills. After CNA training, you need to understand how to work with these individuals and provide them with the respect, grace, and dignity they deserve.

Caring for Confused Residents After CNA Training

When you are caring for confused residents or those who have memory problems after CNA training, follow these simple steps to provide them with the best care possible.

Knock and Announce- When you approach a resident’s room, knock on their door, call their name, and then introduce yourself before you enter. If necessary, introduce yourself again when you enter the room. Remember to be kind, clear, and respectful during this process to keep them at ease.

Be Simple- When you need to discuss something with a confused patient after CNA training, make sure you keep the conversation clear and short.

Instructions- Need your resident to place their dentures in a cup for you so you can clean them? Make sure you are always clear on your instructions when working with a patient who has suffered memory loss. Say their name and then tell them exactly what you need them to do after CNA training.

Don’t Talk Down- Your residents deserve your respect, so you should never talk down to them. They are adults and, no matter how they talk to you, you should always speak to them normally. Use simple phrases or words and make sure you are pronouncing your words completely while you are talking to them.

Moodiness- Patients who have suffered from memory loss or who are confused can easily become agitated, angry, or incorporative, especially if you are trying to rush through their care. While you might have a million tasks to complete, take a deep breath and calm down before you enter a residents room. If you are in a good mood, they will most likely be as well.

Understand Problems- After CNA training, you will need to help your residents overcome certain problems they may experience after they have suffered memory loss. They might have trouble communicating or have trouble remembering how to use simple items like a fork or spoon. They may become easily frustrated with these problems, and it is up to you to calm them down and help them through them. If they are having trouble finding the words necessary to communicate, provide them with tools that can assist them. If they no longer remember how to use a spoon to eat, patiently show them again.

Helping Patients With Confusion and Memory Loss After CNA Training

If you are caring for patients with confusion and memory loss after CNA training, make sure you do everything you can to provide them with the care they need. Give them the respect and dignity they deserve by following these steps after CNA training.